Clean Diesel: Keeping the Power On, Backstopping the Grid and Delivering Emergency Services

WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Though it does not end until Nov. 30, the 2017 hurricane season is already immortalized as one of the top 10 most active seasons on record. The southern United States and the Caribbean have been repeatedly slammed by devastating storms, and could be forced to endure more. In the aftermath of these powerful systems, diesel generators have sustained critical emergency power for hospitals and other key facilities, such as internet data centers and cell phone service sites. In Puerto Rico, diesel generators continue to provide prime power for more than 85 percent of the island, as officials work to restore the grid.

"When the chips are down, diesel generators provide emergency power within 10 seconds of grid power failure," said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum. "No other power source can start and absorb full electrical loads; other fuel sources may take up to two minutes, which may be too long in many emergency situations. Diesel's efficiency and energy density means that it can produce twice the electrical energy as a gas engine generator, for a lower cost."

Diesel fuel provides cost-effective, immediate emergency power at a near-zero emissions level. Since 2010, ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel (no more than 15 ppm sulfur) has been the fuel of choice for diesel-powered generators. Using ULSD in older units reduces particulate matter emissions by 10 to 20 percent. When used in new technology engines (those made after 2014), particulate matter reduces by 90 percent. Compared to gasoline models, diesel generators also produce much lower amounts of carbon monoxide, meaning they are safer to run in some settings.

Due to the benefits they offer, many international building codes and standards effectively require diesel generators for code compliance because of the need for rapid response time, load carrying capacity, fuel supply and availability, and reliability.

Diesel's Contribution to Grid Resilience
"Backup power systems like diesel generators remain essential," said Schaeffer. "Their load carrying capacity, immediate response time, energy efficiency, portability and reliability have made them the technology of choice for decades. They are essential investments for business continuity and providing essential public services, with black-start capabilities, long useful lives and low maintenance and operating costs."   

Diesel provides a steady supply of power and can handle wide swings in power use. A diesel generator does not "flicker" or dip in power output when appliances such as a large air conditioner turn on, surge and drain power. Diesel generators have their own storage for clean diesel fuel, which with proper planning is readily available and indefinitely replenishable.

"Diesel fuel continues to offer the most reliable back-up option, even for a renewable grid. As many learned in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Florida, having a renewable system does not guarantee electrical power if the grid is down. And, these aren't any more exempt from the physical damage and devastation caused flying debris in the next storm. The latest trend in localized energy solutions combine the best of both worlds, when diesel generators are integrated with solar and storage into a micro grid arrangement. This provides the prime-power renewables that you want, with reliability from diesel generators that you still need."

For temporary, emergency power generation or short-term prime-power applications, such as in the areas of distributed generation and peak shaving, or applications that demand flexibility and scalability available from mobile diesel units, such as air conditioning or refrigeration, diesel is the technology of choice. 

Other Emergency Applications of Clean Diesel Power
Clean diesel technology plays a vital role in many aspects of rescue and recovery.

• Diesel powers more than 98 percent of first responder vehicles, including fire trucks, ambulances, National Guard rescue vehicles, and other rescue equipment.
• Diesel-fueled construction machines and equipment clear debris and rebuild communities after a natural disaster. In the U.S., more than 75 percent of construction equipment is fueled by diesel.

"Call 911, and odds are that a piece of diesel-powered equipment will respond," said Schaeffer. "In the aftermath of hurricanes and other natural disasters, diesel-powered equipment immediately goes to work, aiding in rescue operations and clean up processes. Diesel-powered heavy equipment is the first to respond to open roads, restore power and the clean-up of the devastated areas."

About The Diesel Technology Forum
The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology. Forum members are leaders in clean diesel technology and represent the three key elements of the modern clean-diesel system: advanced engines, vehicles and equipment, cleaner diesel fuel and emissions-control systems. For more information visit www.dieselforum.org.

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Contact:
Sarah Dirndorfer
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SOURCE Diesel Technology Forum